Becoming a truck driver in Texas doesn’t have to be too steep a hill to climb, as long as you meet some minimum requirements. If you want to find trucking schools in Texas, go through this checklist first:

Can you…

Prove a clean driving record?

Pass a drug test?

Prove you are 21 and a legal US resident?

Provide employer references to show a good work history?

If you said, “Yes!” to all of those items and you think it would be cool to be a truck driver, then let’s look at what you can expect in Texas CDL schools.

First of all, there are three different types of CDL’s you can earn:

CDL Class A

CDL Class B

CDL Class C

Class C is the initial license, with B and A coming next. If you earn your CDL-A, you can operate any type of Class B or C vehicles. We always recommend students earn their CDL Class A so they can qualify for the most kinds of trucking jobs in Texas.

Independent Vs. Company Owned Trucking Schools

CR England Truck Driving School also hires some of their students once they complete their CDL training. This can be a benefit of going to a company owned school. If you knock your instructor’s socks off, you might graduate behind the wheel, with a haul of medical and dental benefits, paid time off, and a hiring bonus to boot!

However, going to an independently owned school has its advantages as well. Let’s say, you aren’t sure who you want to work for or what kind of truck driver you want to be. Then an independent trucking school might be the solution. They can typically introduce you to several transportation companies that need drivers. But, company owned schools may even offer that benefit as well. That’s why we encourage students to explore all their options for CDL training in Texas.

Have You Considered A Bachelor’s Degree In Transportation?

That’s right. Even if you love driving, there are other options for careers in the transportation industry. Sometimes, drivers decide they need more time at home, or their physical well-being declines, and life on the road just isn’t practical any more.

Schools like National American University can help you move up the logistics chain with their Supply Chain Management Bachelor’s Degree program. With the skills learned in this curriculum you can learn to be an effective leader who helps transportation companies run more efficiently.

Additional learning outcomes in this Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management from National American University include:

Make smart determinations about inventory turns, waste reduction, and customer service skills

Understand changes in the supply chain and how to effectively adjust with minimal impact

Understand how to read forecast patterns to make sure goods remain in supply for customers

In your role, you might also examine internal company processes to make sure your teams are working smoothly together as well. Remember, every component of the logistics industry requires constant examination and scrutiny, with so many variables that change constantly. If you think you are ready to shift gears from a trucking career to logistics-oriented work, check out the supply chain bachelor’s from National America.

Are you ready to compare trucking schools in Utah, including CR England Truck Driving School? Just use our extensive list of CDL training options to get started!

If you want to become a truck driver, you can benefit from the financial aid opportunities at the Truck Driver Institute. They have agreements with many employers that are willing to pay for your education.

Comparing Truck Driving Schools in Texas

To choose a school that's right for you, think about your career goals and what you want to learn. There are many diesel technology programs in Texas, including some that allow you to specialize in one type of diesel vehicle. Laredo Community College is one school that has two diesel technology degrees. You can compete a one-year certificate in general diesel engine repair or a one-year certificate that specializes in heavy truck undercarriage repair.

If you decide to pursue a truck driving education, there are several schools in Texas that offer license assistance. Class A CDL has many career and licensing assistance programs. They lend you a tractor trailer for your driving exam, provide study videos and study packages, and even offer on-site license assistance. Once you have your license, they help you with the job search by connecting you with local employers.

Get on the Trucking Road in Texas

As a truck driver or diesel mechanic in Texas, you may wonder how much money you can earn.

Below you can find a graph outlining Texas trucking and diesel mechanic salaries compared to the trucking salary average nationwide. All data retrieved from (2015).

Texas is home to many different trucking employers, in addition to a good job outlook. Some of the most prominent employers in this state are C.R. England, A&R Transport, and MCT Transportation LLC. You may find employment with trucking companies, leasing centers, and repair shops. The job outlook in Texas is strong; anticipates a 19% increase in demand for truck drivers. Diesel mechanics can look forward to (O*Net, 2015).